Historical Society Director Selected for Leadership Institute

Melissa Kneeland, executive director of the Dunn County Historical Society, has been selected as one of 25 History Leadership Institute Fellows by the American Association for State and Local History.

Chosen from a large and highly competitive pool of applicants from across the country, these promising leaders bring with them a wide range of experiences, perspectives and professional roles — from curators and educators to executive directors and emerging innovators—working at history organizations large and small, rural and urban, all across the country.

This year’s cohort reflects AASLH’s commitment to building a diverse and dynamic network of history professionals who are ready to take on the field’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. The 2025 HLI fellows represent one of the largest, most diverse cohorts in the program’s more than 65-year history.

“I’m so excited about this remarkable opportunity to develop as a museum professional,” said Kneeland. “I expect to make great new connections, discover exciting possibilities and bring new ideas to our museum.” Kneeland has served as the Society’s executive director since 2019.

This year’s HLI Seminar will be held at the Mill City Museum of the Minnesota Historical Society. Over the course two weeks in June and several virtual meetings both before and after, the cohort will engage in deep conversations, peer learning, and professional development focused on leading the future of the field with purpose, relevance and impact.

Kneeland was awarded a scholarship from AASLH, as well as a grant from a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation of Dunn County.

"This program continues to grow as a key part of AASLH’s mission to help history organizations and practitioners to thrive,” said John Dichtl, AASLH President & CEO.

"If there was a perfect time to support our field's most promising leaders in being their bravest selves, it is now," said Andrea Jones, Director of the HLI Seminar. "I can't wait to get started."

The History Leadership Institute is supported in part by some of the field’s leading institutions including: Association for African American Museums, Conner Prairie, Minnesota Historical Society, Missouri Historical Society, National Association for Interpretation, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.